Penn State Provides Watershed Stewardship Training

CREAMERY PA – Penn State’s Master Watershed Steward Program, a citizen science training series that empowers area residents to address local watershed issues, will be outlined in an informational meeting scheduled for April 3 (2014; Thursday) from 7-9 p.m. in the offices of Montgomery County Cooperative Extension, 1015 Bridge Road, Suite H.

The program was established to strengthen local capacity for management and protection of watersheds, streams, and rivers. It intends to educate and empower volunteers with extensive training in watershed management. In return, participants dedicate volunteer time to educate the community about watershed stewardship, based on university research and recommendations.

Training and volunteer service are coordinated at the county level by extension staff, partners, or trained volunteers. Generally 15-20 people are selected for the each year. Those accepted to the program attend training classes that focus on a broad range of water resource topics, including groundwater, stream ecology, wetlands, invasive plants, water recreation and storm water management.

There is a one-time registration cost to those accepted into the program, which covers the cost of the manual, name tag, and meeting facilities.